August 3-12
MARITIME MARVELS
The Marblehead Maritime Festival kicks off next weekend with a Marine color guard parade and a flyover by a World War II-era Corsair fighter plane. Also part of the week’s lineup: tours of an 1812 Tall Ship, a classic yacht regatta, maritime exhibits and vendors, and more. 781-631-2868; marbleheadchamber.org
Through August
DRIVE-IN’S DELIGHTS
A few decades ago, summertime in Massachusetts meant at least a couple of trips to the local drive-in to canoodle with your honey and catch the latest Hollywood hit. Two of the last remaining drive-ins in the state (the closest ones to Boston) offer the chance for a little nostalgia. Here’s how they compare:
FOUNDED: Mendon Twin Drive-In, 1954; Leicester Triple Drive-In, 1967
OPEN: Mendon, seven days a week; Leicester, seven days a week
COST PER CARLOAD: Mendon, $25; Leicester, $20
NUMBER OF SCREENS: Mendon, 2; Leicester, 3
SNACKS TO TRY: Mendon, fried pickles; Leicester, clam cakes
MILES FROM BOSTON: Mendon, 42; Leicester, 54
For movie info:
Mendon: 508-473-4958; mendondrivein.com
Leicester: 508-892-4400; leicesterdrivein.net
Lisa Houlgrave
Dr. John
August 1
INSECTS AND ICE CREAM
Mass Audubon is combining two of kids’ favorite things into one nifty evening. Bring your little ones to the Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to eat some ice cream, then head outside to catch, observe, and release crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and other bugs with the help of Audubon guides. Tickets cost $9 per person. 617-489-5050; register at massaudubon.org
August 3
TGIF
This Friday is arguably the best day this summer to head to the Museum of Fine Arts, Norman Rockwell Museum, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, or the Arnold Arboretum. Thanks to the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays program, visitors pay no admission fee at all five that day; no registration or tickets required. highlandstreet.org
August 3-5
AHHH, JAZZ
Dr. John (pictured), Pat Metheny, Susan Tedeschi, and Kurt Elling are among the greats performing at the Newport Jazz Festival Friday through Sunday, marking the fest’s 58th year. 401-848-5055; newportjazzfest.net